Elevated blood lead test results and non-elevated blood lead test results in children and adults are reportable directly to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics within 24 hours. 

The results of any blood lead draw (capillary, venous or unknown sample type) on a Kansas child or adult that produces a quantifiable result and is analyzed by a CLIA-certified facility (Click on Reporting Lab Requirements for more information) or an approved portable device (Click on Lead Care II for more information) is reportable to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). 

Click on the following link to access the Lead Risk Questionnaire.

Visit the Blood Lead Test Reporting Application to electronically submit blood lead testing results. 

Contact Information:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics (BEPHI)

Email: kdhe.leadlabreporting@ks.gov 

Phone: 1-877-427-7317

Fax: 1-877-427-7318

No amount of lead in people is safe, and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead in their bodies. Because lead is present in many places, it's easy to contaminate blood samples during the collection process, which can cause inaccurate lab results. In this video healthcare providers will learn how to reduce the risk of contamination and support the achievement of accurate blood lead results. 

Watch the CDC Mission Unleaded Testing Video Here

The Kansas Environmental Public Health Tracking program conducts blood lead surveillance for the state of Kansas.  Surveillance activities are provided through a partnership with local health departments and other entities involved in the testing, reporting, monitoring, and management of blood lead. Blood lead data for Kansas is compiled and made available through the data query tool or by submitting a secure data request. 

The Kansas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is dedicated to increasing awareness and providing education about childhood lead poisoning and prevention. The program works with others to accomplish our goal of reducing childhood lead poisoning. This program collaborates with the Tracking program to conduct surveillance and provide blood lead data through the query function and the secure data request process.

The Kansas Residential Lead Hazard Prevention Program (RLHPP) is responsible for the regulation, licensing, and monitoring of lead related activities within the state. For more information about the RLHPP program, please click on RLHPP and you’ll be directed to their website.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention outreach materials can be downloaded below:

• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Flyer
• Blood Lead Poisoning Prevention Postcard
• Blood Lead Poisoning Prevention Provider FAQ
• Childhood Blood Lead Exposure Factsheet
• Clinical Management Factsheet
• Clinical OBGYN Blood Lead Factsheet
• Lead Social Media Toolkit
• Heavy Metals and Nutrition Flyer
• Pregnancy & Blood Lead Poisoning Flyer

NEW DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

•  Lead Digital Billboard

Downloadable Graphics:

Downloadable Graphics in Spanish:

The Elevated Blood Lead Disease Investigation Guidelines are designed to assist local health departments in the investigation of elevated blood lead within their jurisdictions. The guidelines can be downloaded by clicking on Elevated Blood Lead Disease Investigation Guidelines. There are two online training courses through KS-TRAIN for elevated blood lead training.  

Course number 1071191 or by keyword search for EpiTrax: Elevated Blood Lead Disease Investigation Guidelines.

Course number 1085448 or by keyword search for KDHE: Blood Lead Sampling and Submission Process

On January 19, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the device shortage list to include all blood specimen collection tubes. FDA recommends health care providers, laboratory directors, phlebotomists, and other personnel consider blood specimen collection tube conservation strategies to minimize blood collection tube use and maintain quality and safe patient care for those where testing is medically necessary. Refer to FDA’s Blood Specimen Collection Tube Shortage: Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

CDC recommends the following actions to ensure children receive accurate blood lead tests:

• Communicate with testing laboratories about appropriate specimen requirements as these may change over time.
• Use blood collection tubes that have been manufactured specifically for trace element testing or pre-screened lead-testing tubes. Contamination in collection tubes can contribute to inaccurate results.
• If the recommended tubes are not available, discuss acceptable alternatives with testing laboratories.

The following resources provide additional information:

• CDC’s Blood Lead Collection Tube Shortage web page

• Medical Device Shortages During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

• UPDATE: Blood Specimen Collection Tube Conservation Strategies - Letter to Health Care and Laboratory Personnel
• Blood Specimen Collection Tube Shortage: Frequently Asked Questions